Diabemin XR Dosage/Direction for Use

Metformin hydrochloride (DIABEMIN XR) should generally be given once daily with the evening meal or with breakfast and evening meal (twice daily dosage) and should be started at a low dose, with gradual dose escalation. Subsequent dosage should be adjusted according to the patient's therapeutic response, using the lowest possible effective dosage. Metformin hydrochloride (DIABEMIN XR) must be swallowed whole and never crushed or chewed. Metformin hydrochloride (DIABEMIN XR) should always be taken with food. This will avoid the patient having gastrointestinal discomfort.
Patients who have stopped the treatment must contact their doctor. In case the patient has forgotten to take metformin hydrochloride (DIABEMIN XR), the next dose should be taken at the usual time. Do not double the dose of metformin unless otherwise prescribed by the doctor. It is normal that the tablet shells may be present in the feces and this is not linked with a decrease in therapeutic activity.
Metformin hydrochloride (DIABEMIN XR) 1 g: Metformin hydrochloride (DIABEMIN XR) 1 g is intended as a maintenance treatment for patients already treated with either 1 g or 2 g of metformin. The maximum dose is two tablets of metformin hydrochloride (DIABEMIN XR) 1 g once daily, given with the evening meal. If glycemic control is not achieved on maximal daily dose given once daily, then the same dose may be considered but divided along the day according to the following scheme: one tablet during breakfast and one tablet during evening meal.
Combination with insulin: Metformin hydrochloride (DIABEMIN XR) can never be replace insulin in type 1 diabetes but concomitant administration with insulin makes it possible to reduce the insulin doses and obtain more stable blood glucose levels. In case metformin hydrochloride (DIABEMIN XR) is used in combination with insulin the usual starting dose is one tablet metformin hydrochloride (DIABEMIN XR) 500 mg, while insulin dosage is adjusted on the basis of blood glucose measurement.
Elderly and decreased renal function: In the elderly and in patients with decreased renal function, the metformin dosage should be adjusted based on renal function. Regular assessment of renal function is necessary.
Children: Metformin hydrochloride (DIABEMIN XR) is not recommended for use in children.